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The Church vs. The Crowd
Ever been caught up in a crowd? Maybe at a concert, a protest, or even just in the energy of a packed stadium? Crowds have power. They can inspire incredible generosity—think of people coming together to fundraise for a family in need. But they can also turn dangerous, fueling impulses we might never act on alone.
That’s exactly what happened in one of the most shocking moments in history. A crowd gathered before the Roman governor, Pilate, and was given a choice: release Jesus, an innocent man, or Barabbas, a violent rebel. Logic says the crowd should have chosen Jesus, but they didn’t. Instead, they demanded his crucifixion. How did that happen? How did an entire group of people abandon reason, justice, and even their own values?
Crowds can shape us in ways we don’t even realize. They can make us do things we’d never do alone. Social pressure, groupthink, and the desire to fit in are powerful forces—whether in person or online. So, here’s the big question: what kind of crowd are you part of? Who is shaping you?
The good news is that Jesus didn’t just die for individual sins; he died to redeem the broken systems and communities that lead us astray. And in response to the corrupting power of the crowd, God created a new kind of gathering—the church. A people who don’t follow the mob but instead follow Jesus.
So, which crowd are you part of? Let’s talk about it. Listen now.
Matthew 27:15-26 | Chris Shandrow
